Amid assessments that the race for future leadership in the conservative bloc is heating up following Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's political survival in an appellate court ruling, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok visited Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, often called the "holy land of conservatism," today (October 30).

Visiting the birthplace of the late former President Park Chung-hee, Leader Jang criticized the controversy over historical distortion sparked by the film "The Assassin(s)," asserting, "No matter what intent lies behind attempts to distort history, the history of the modernization of our motherland achieved by former President Park will not be shaken."

Leader Jang then paid tribute before the portraits of former President Park and former First Lady Yuk Young-soo at the memorial hall of Park's birthplace, leaving a message in the guestbook: "Those who stop do not win. An unforgettable name, an unshakable history. Park Chung-hee, the founding father of modernization."

Leader Jang also had lunch with former President Park Geun-hye on October 25, during which the former president expressed concern to the effect that "it is worrying that historical distortions by the left-wing camp are being taught through films and other media."

Leader Jang later volunteered to help harvest rice at a farmhouse in Mueul-myeon, Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, telling local farmers, "The Republic of Korea is able to live as it does today thanks to you farmers who steadfastly protect our food security. The strength that has sustained the Republic of Korea is the strength of our farmers."

This regional tour marks Leader Jang's first visit outside Seoul since becoming the longest-serving leader of the People Power Party as of October 25.

Following his hard-line conservative moves, which included joining a protest at Olympic Park in the wake of the ballot shortage incident during the June 3 local elections, the visit to Gumi is interpreted as a move to solidify backing among the party's traditional support base in the Yeongnam region.

Reported by Son Hyeong-an | Video by Ahn Jun-hyeok | Graphics by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News